Volume Twelve, Friday 8th September 2023

Greetings,

The College celebrated Father’s Day last Friday 1st September, with a number of events. At 7:00am was the Year 8 father and son touch football game followed by a College BBQ for fathers at 7:30am and Father’s Day mass in the Chapel at 8:00am. Friday was also Jersey Day where the College remembers Nathan Gremmo a Year 8 student who passed away tragically in 2015 from an accident on the way home from school. The family gathered and the decision was made to donate Nathan’s organs. Today six people have a full and complete life thanks to Mr Gremmo and his families decision. Awareness of and the promotion of organ donation is a significant event at Oakhill College at Father’s Day. The day concluded with a second Father’s Day liturgy at 6:00pm in the College Chapel.

St John Baptist de la Salle in 1680 formed the first Brothers of the Institute using father and mother as metaphors essential in the formation and characteristic of a Lasallian Brother. The student teacher relationship in a Lasallian school is modelled on the special role and relationship a father and mother have with their children.

Br Jeffrey Calligan gives us an insight into St John Baptist de La Salle’s understanding of the special role of a father. St John Baptist de Sa Salle describes God the Father very much as he saw his own father and the ministry of fatherhood. For De La Salle, God the Father is marked by two qualities: wisdom and gentleness. This wise God sees all, knows all, understands all, and is present to all. This God does not condemn. This God knows humankind and in wisdom loves its imperfection. This God is the font of all knowledge, equity, and mercy. This God’s loving providence creates mystery and lovingly houses it in the common everyday fabric of life with love and care that enriches us and leads us as it unfolds. There is no harshness in this God. This God exercises a loving vigilance and corrects by love and example. This God is companion and guide. This God accompanies each person in each step of life: without force. This God guides, accompanies, listens, watches, and informs with subtlety and vibrancy. This is how De La Salle saw the role of a father and that of a De La Salle Brother (and all Lasallian teachers).

In this Newsletter you will once again see the amazing work of students, their achievements and success. In particular the Performing Arts Show Case events for HSC Drama and Music and for HSC Visual Arts and TAS. Year 12 have only eight more days of classes before graduation and their preparation for their HSC exams. I wish them every success.

What is success?

John Wooden a renown US basketball coach says:

“Success is the peace of mind attained through self-satisfaction in knowing you have made every effort to be and do the best you can”.

This is what we ask of our students each and every day and are very proud of how each and every one works away at trying to be and do the best they can.

Oakhill College’s purpose as a Lasallian school is to touch hearts and transform lives, forming good sons and daughters, good men and women, and good citizens mindful of a better future for all, and to do this the best they can.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

'The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice, it is conformity.'

Rollo May, Psychologist

Oakhill celebrated Father's Day on Friday 1st September with two special Father’s Day Liturgies in the College Chapel. These Liturgies were a wonderful celebration of the fathers and father figures in our College community. 

Ms Jaimee Bocasan
Acting Prayer & Liturgy Co-ordinator

On Wednesday 6th September, Oakhill College was honoured to host the national launch of Pink Stumps Day in conjunction with Tracy Bevan, the McGrath Foundation, Pink Stumps Day Ambassadors Matt Shirvington and Erin Holland, Sunrise, Michelle Fisher and The Daily Telegraph. This recognition is a testament to Oakhill's unwavering commitment to raising awareness and funds for the McGrath Foundation over the years.

In its remarkable 15th year, Pink Stumps Day stands as the McGrath Foundation's largest grassroots fundraising campaign. Last year, raising over $850,000, with the active participation of more than 350 schools, cricket clubs, businesses, and community groups. This year, our collective goal is to raise $950,000 supporting the McGrath Foundation's vital mission of ensuring that no one faces breast cancer without the care of a dedicated breast care nurse.

Campaign Ambassadors, Matt Shirvington and Erin Holland, are passionately rallying the nation to embrace the cricket pitch in pink by hosting a Pink Stumps Day event. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Oakhill College is proud to be part of this noble cause.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing and Communications

On Friday 1st September, Oakhill students wore jerseys in support of Jersey Day. Jersey Day is not a fundraising day, it is a day to raise awareness about organ donation. 

Oakhill is a proud supporter of Jersey Day, which began when Nathan Gremmo (Class of 2019) was killed in 2015. His family selflessly chose to donate Nathan's organs, giving the gift of life to six other people. 

To learn more about Jersey Day please visit www.jerseyday.com.au

Mr Chris Goodman
Director of Mission

Bonjour and welcome to Ingrid Dietrich, who is joining Oakhill College to assist with French oral linguistics. We asked Ingrid to tell us a little bit about herself:

BONJOUR! I just joined the Languages team at Oakhill College and look forward to assisting the French teachers and helping the students become confident in speaking French!

I was born in the eastern part of France (Besançon), grew up and studied in Lyon, lived in Ireland for five years then came to Australia in 2003. I have been inspiring pre-schoolers with the French language and culture for about six years and truly enjoyed it. Teaching French keeps me connected to my country, which is great. Since 2019, I have been working with high school students, helping them improve their language skills mostly through conversation and consequently helping them increase their confidence in speaking!

Ms Ingrid Dietrich
French Teacher

The new Oakhill College Canteen is ahead of schedule with an opening planned later this term. This state of the art building will be operational for all students from Term 4, with Year 12 students able to access the new Canteen during the last week of the Term 3 before they graduate.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communication

On Tuesday 29th August, three Year 10 Oakhill students Zander Cheng, Kristijan Magdic and Julius Pearce travelled to Holy Cross College to compete in the 2023 Robocup LEGO STEM Rescue Line Challenge. The students had to construct a robot and operate it through a course, overcoming random obstacles. The boys fought hard to secure 1st place in the competition. 

Congratulations to these students and Ms Michelle Salem who has been working hard with the boys all year to prepare for this event.

Ms Stella Papavasiliou​
Coordinator of Gifted and Talented

Oakhill College has partnered with the Sustainable School Shop to provide families with access to second-hand textbooks, uniforms, calculators, musical instruments, sports gear and more.

The Sustainable School Shop has preloaded items specific to Oakhill College on their site. This makes it very easy to list your items for sale and to buy items.

Second-hand uniform items for sale: https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/stocktake/oakhill-college

Second-hand textbooks for sale: https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/booklist/oakhill-college

Login or register here: https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au

Oakhill College is a proud supporter of the Lifeline Book Fair, which will be held on Friday 6th, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October from 9.00am - 5.00pm in Benildus Hall. Oakhill will be donating our facilities and staff and students will be volunteering as well. 

Several students have been requesting for the vivi screen messages projected through all classrooms to be in a central location to read. The ICT Department has now included these messages for students to view on the Students Oaklife system.

What do you do if you have left your study until the last minute?

In an ideal world, it would be great if all students paid attention, focused and participated in all classes, completed all homework and assessments thoroughly, asked for help throughout the year on anything they didn’t understand, made regular summaries of the work covered in class (preferably at the end of each topic or section) and did their best to learn as they go throughout the year.

But in reality, this doesn’t always happen for every student and every subject. So what can you do if you have left your study for tests and exams to the last minute?

5 TIPS FOR LAST MINUTE STUDY:

1. CLARIFY YOUR FOCUS: Before you dive into your study materials, take a moment to identify what topics and concepts will be tested. Reach out to your teachers or classmates if you're unsure about any specifics. Understanding the exam format and question style will guide your study strategy. Create a checklist of subjects and topics you need to cover, ensuring you're not leaving anything out.

2. GATHER MATERIALS: Do you have notes, materials, and textbooks on everything you need to learn? If not, is there a friend who can forward you the resources you have misplaced? Is there an online portal where material from classes is stored? Can you borrow from the library additional books or textbooks on the topics you need to learn? Are past examination papers available?

3. DRAFT A STUDY PLAN: You only have limited time left so you need to make the most of it. Draw up a grid that shows how much time you have left before your exams to study. Decide if you will spend equal time on each subject or if certain subjects need more time. Allocate subjects to the timeslots you have then decide exactly what you will do to prepare for each subject. For each subject make a list of what sort of study you should do to prepare for that subject. Brainstorm your ideas on how to prepare, ask your parents and teachers for feedback, and share ideas with your friends.

4. CREATE STUDY NOTES: Target your notes to what will be tested. It is best for learning and memory to make your study notes yourself, but if you have run out of time there are options. See if any of your class materials or textbooks have summarised the sections you need, see if there are study guides available in the library on the topics to learn, or make targeted notes yourself on the key areas you have to memorise. You could also see if there is a friend where you could split the topics between yourself and share the notes you make. Don’t spend too long on this stage, it needs to be completed as quickly as possible.

5. STUDY! What does study actually mean? It means memorising the material you need to know so you can recall it in the exams, and practising the skills of the subject so you know how to do the types of questions you will have in the exam. To memorise your notes you need to test yourself over and over on them. You could read a section, see what you can write down without looking then check. Then review the things you didn’t know again. Or you could do the same approach reading things out loud and then seeing what you can repeat out loud. Doing questions, practise essays, past exam questions will also help you understand what you know, and what you need to spend more time on.

Remember, the key is to get started. Procrastination won't serve you well at this point. Embrace the challenge, and you'll be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you're focused and determined. Your ability to absorb and apply information quickly is stronger than you think.

You and your parents can learn more about study and examination techniques at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au
by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.

Oakhill's login details are:
Username: foroakhillonly
Password: 41results

Mr Gavin Russell
Assistant Principal Curriculum

Market Day is back! Day 1 was Friday 8th September at lunchtime run by Year 9 Commerce students. The boys had gone to a lot of effort planning, preparing, cooking and serving their incredible dishes. The BC Oval was packed with eager staff and students sampling delicacies from all over the world and everyone sold out before lunchtime was over! Well done boys.

We eagerly anticipated Day 2 on Friday 15th September at lunchtime.

On Tuesday 29th August, the College community came together to celebrate Oakhill College's talented HSC students showcasing their works in Industrial Technology Timber, Industrial Technology Graphics, Design and Technology and Visual Arts. It was an enjoyable evening with some amazing pieces on display. Congratulations to all students on their outstanding pieces. 

The People's Choice winners were: Visuals Arts - Sebastian Akle; Timber - Jack Kenchington; and Design & Technology - Flynn Van Der Zanden.

Please click the following link to view the Visual Arts Major Works Catalogue. https://issuu.com/aberriman/docs/2023_hsc_visual_arts_major_work_catalogue-compress

Thank you to those who have already completed your textbook and resource orders for Year 12, 2024. For those that haven't, this is a friendly reminder that the Year 12, 2024 book list is now open to place your orders.

The Year 12 school year commences in Week 2 of Term 4 and students should have by now decided which subjects they are carrying through to the Higher School Certificate. It is important to order any physical textbooks and resources by this Friday 8th September to ensure you have all your supplies delivered and ready to commence the new school year. Digital textbooks will appear in your Box of Books (BoB) account within 48 hours.

Please find below information on how to order your textbooks and stationery resources.

TEXTBOOK REQUIREMENTS
Ordering via the BoB shop is quick and easy. It is important that online orders are placed no later than Friday 8th September by following these steps:

• Visit Shop Box of Books sign in or create an account using student school email account.
• Select Year 12, 2023/2024 student and continue.
• Select the items you wish to purchase from the book list.
• Use the checkout to organise postage and payment.

STATIONERY REQUIREMENTS
The College suggets Select Office National to assist with your stationery order. This is a very convenient way to prepare. The College also receives a 5% rebate on totals sales which is given to the Oakhill Parent & Friends Committee, to assist with College projects.

Please use the following link to order stationary resources at Select Office National to ensure delivery by the start of the Year 12 course, Monday 16th October 2023.

Students will require the following for their Year 12 course, if they dont already have them:

• Calculator for Maths (NESA Approved)
• Grid book for Mathematics (A4 5mm Grid Binder Book)
• A4 lined paper (in book form for each subject, or in a folder)
• Ruler, pens, pencil and eraser
• Please check elective subjects for any specific requirements.

If at any point you need assistance with this process, please contact Curriculum@oakhill.nsw.edu.au.

Ms Kristin Bell
Administration Support Officer Curriculum

On Monday this week we hosted our first ever Year 8 Performing Arts Showcase. This showcase gave families an opportunity to see the hard work that the students have been doing across drama and music using their skills in theatresports, drama monologues, group devised plays, solo and group music performances and short film work.

Hosted by Mr Turbott and Mr Thoroughgood, it was a night filled with laughter and creativity, and a wonderful display of the talented students we have here at Oakhill.

Mrs Rebecca Madigan
Administration Assistant Performing Arts

The Teachibald is a Visual Arts competition for Year 8 to complete a portrait of a staff member. Each year students rise to the challenge and create incredible artworks making it difficult for the judges.

This year we congratulate Edward Wijanto (Year 8) who won the People's Choice award for his portrait of Br Steve Hogan fsc.

Year 11 Preliminary examinations commence Monday 11th September. Students have been emailed the examination timetable as well as the rules and procedures. Please ensure your are familiar with all expectations and procedures.

Year 11 Oakhill College students recently completed their Information Processes and Technology group major projects. The students had to create a model of an automated train system as part of their major projects. They were able to use the facilities in our Innovation Hub to 3D Print models, program autonomous trains and create automated models controlled by micro:bits.

The students learnt about the skills needed to work as a group and complete a model of an information system.

Mr Brian Johnson
TAS Teacher

On Thursday 14th September, Oakhill will be undertaking several activities to highlight RUOK? Day.

Jed McDonald-Singh and Annalise Brinsden-Chin (College Captains) held Oakhill's Captains Morning Tea this week. The morning tea is an opportunity to thank students who have gone over and above in their responsibilities or have undertaken an act of kindness or several other possibly unrecognised acts. 

In a harrowing journey spanning a decade, one man's resilience shines through amidst challenging circumstances. Originally a gifted civil engineer and a member of the privileged Basij group in Iran, he found himself in a series of unfortunate events, culminating in his arrival on Australian shores.

His path led him through detention centers, legal processes, and a heart-wrenching hunger strike lasting 68 days. Throughout these trials, he has experienced significant physical and mental hardships, including a stint in a mental hospital.

Despite facing near-death experiences and profound uncertainty, he eventually found solace in the care of the Jesuit Refugee Service and the De La Salle Brothers at Castle Hill. Still, his situation remains precarious, with an expired bridging visa and the ever-present fear of deportation.

It is a story that calls for compassion and understanding, urging us to reflect on the importance of humane treatment and support for refugees seeking safety and a chance at a better life. As our nation navigates changing immigration policies, we hope for a more positive and compassionate future for individuals like him.

In the words of a Catholic bishop, "I cannot be silent when our country's immigration policy destroys families, traumatises parents, and terrorizes children." It is a reminder of the significance of empathy and humanity in shaping our nation's approach to refugees.

As we move forward, there are signs of more humane policies, offering a glimmer of hope for those who have endured such hardships. Let us collectively strive for a future where freedom, opportunity, and compassion define our nation's response to refugees.

Br Peter McIntosh

Oakfest, Oakhill’s answer to Tropfest has been running for 10 years. This year, we had a small group of entries featuring the dedicated and committed film makers we have here at the College. This year’s theme was 'Rescue' which had to feature somewhere within the film. 

Well done to all of the students who entered the competition and congratulations to our winners:

1st Place - Angelo Chichizola for ‘It Runs in the Family’
2nd Place - Andrew Huang for ‘The Rescue’
3rd Place - Rishabh Josi, Neel Modi and James McGirr for ‘The Rescue’

Mrs Rachael Manning
Visual Arts Teacher

Ms Robertson recently challenged Oakhill's junior students by inviting them to showcase their remarkable talents in Oakhill's Got Talent. They rose to the occasion from blindfolded drumming to breathtaking gymnastics, whip-cracking displays and sensational musical performances. In front of a packed auditorium, and after much deliberation the triumphant winners were:

1st Place: Isiah Lorenzo (drummer)
2nd Place: Rishan Kumar (piano)
3rd Place: S.T.A.R.R. (band)

Congratulations to all!

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Congratulations to all players that were recognised at the Winter Sports presentation evenings. The attendance at all four presentations was excellent. Thank you to all students that played a winter sport this season and congratulations to all our award winners.

Registrations are closed for the summer sport season and most grading days have been done. The summer sport season will start next term with training commencing in Week 1 of Term 1. Coaches and convenors will be in contact with registered families with more information that is specific to your sport.

ISA summer season 2023/2024 (Note – junior cricket has a different draw).

Term 4 2023

Saturday 14th October. Possible training for teams. 1sts Basketball have a tournament. No official ISA round this weekend.
21st October – Game 1
28th October – Game 2
4th November – Game 3
11th November – Game 4
18th November – Game 5
25th November – Game 6

Term 1 2024

3rd February – Game 7
10th February – Game 8
17th February – Game 9
24th February – Game 10
Semi Finals – Saturday 2nd March
Finals – Saturday 9th March.

Student Achievements

Isaac Beacroft (Year 11) represented NSW All schools at the Australian Cross Country championships in Canberra last weekend. Isaac came 2nd in his individual race and picked up another two silver medals in the team races.

Emma Galea (Year 12) and Maddie Breatnach (Year 11) were selected in the NSW Interschool Equestrian Team and will compete at the Nationals in Werribee from Saturday 30th September to Tuesday 3rd October. Well done Emma and Maddie and good luck.

New Zealand Boys Football Tour 2024

We are excited to offer a proposed boys Football tour to New Zealand in 2024:

• 30th June - 8th July 2024
• Proposed locations: Auckland, Rotorua & Wellington
• Open to any registered Year 11 or Year 12 player in the 2024 season
• Selection for the tour is based on the following criteria:
• Acceptable behaviour within the College
• In good financial standing with the College
• Commitment to Oakhill Football

A non-refundable $200 deposit is due by Friday 22nd September 2023 as your expression of interest. This amount would only be refunded if:

• The Tour does not go ahead.
• Your son is not selected to go on the tour.

Follow the link to register your interest:https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1115883

Please contact Mr Morrison (Football Convenor) jmorrison@oakhill.nsw.edu.au for further information.

Mr Andrew Wisemantel
Head of Sport

The Uniform Shop is scheduled to open in the second week of the school holidays, on Thursday 5th October from 9am - 3pm. Please note, due to a major College database upgrade, we will be unable to process any eftpos or cash sales on that day. Therefore, Thursday 5th October will be for Flexischools order pickups only. Please ensure that you have submitted your Flexischools order online prior to this day. The Uniform Shop staff and volunteers will have these orders ready for collection on Thursday 5th October.

The next Uniform Shop opening day after the holidays will be Thursday 12th October (1.30pm - 5.00pm), Week 1 of Term 4. This day will be business as usual utilising the new software. Please be patient while our staff are on “training wheels” with the new software.

To avoid potential long waiting times, please ensure you submit any Flexischools orders with plenty of time for collection before the end of Term 3. This will eliminate any last minute panic and ensures that your child is ready for Term 4 in full summer uniform.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Ms Suzanne Haskins
Uniform Shop Manager

Marcus Campagna (Year 11) visited Ronald McDonald House over the weekend to deliver presents that he had gathered from Mini Masterminds to give to dads for Father's Day!

Thomas Looker (Year 7) and William Looker (Year 9) recently had the honour of participating in the Opening Ceremony for Legacy Week. The Legacy Week appeal has been running since the 1940’s and is a time for all Australians to show their support for the widows and children whose loved ones served our country.

Congratulations to Lachlan Coady (Year 10) who has achieved excellent results in Orienteering this year.

Lachlan has been selected in the NSW U15 Junior Boys Schools team. He will also be travelling to Western Australia for seven events over nine days for the Australian Championships in U16 and Australian Schools Championships in U15 between Saturday 30th September and Sunday 8th October.

So far this year, Lachlan has won NSW Sprint Championships in March for Men Under 16, and recently he won the NSW Schools Sprint and NSW Schools Middle Championships in Men 15/16 A age group. Great achievements!

Mr Murray Fisher
Dean of Year 10

Congratulations to Zac Martyn, Year 7 who recently travelled to Pennsylvania, USA to represent Australia in the Little League World Series. An outstanding opportunity to play in the USA against some of the best. 

Calling the Class of 2003, your 20 Year Reunion has been organised for Saturday 4th November in Millers Point. An email invitation has been sent to the 2003 cohort. If you need to update your details, please do so here: https://www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au/alumni-change-of-details-form or email us at alumni@oakhill.nsw.edu.au for further information.

To all alumni - to stay connected and update your details to be informed about alumni events and opportunities, please update here: https://www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au/alumni-change-of-details-form. Please share with other alumni that you may know.

Congratulations to Mr Andrew Scarsbrook (Class of 2019) and his team who came 3rd in South Australia at the Royal Adelaide Show last weekend in the National Australian Young Farmer Challenge.

The University of Western Sydney and the University of Sydney are offering HSC study workshops for Year 12 students these holidays. Please see below for further information.

University of Western Sydney: Free HSC Study Sessions | Western Sydney University

University of Sydney: 20230828_September_2023_HSC_Timetable.pdf (sydney.edu.au)

Is your teenager experiencing change or loss in their life? Are you looking for ways to support them through this challenging time, or to help them improve their wellbeing and resilience? This webinar explores the many changes experienced by young people today, the impact of change and loss and suggests ways of supporting the young people in your life.

Topics covered in this online talk and Q&A will help you support your teens through:
- Navigating change
- Grief and loss (death, divorce, friendship breakdown)
- Overcoming adversity

To view the Webinar please click here: https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Teens-and-emotional-health-webinar

Helen Morris
Student Counsellor/Registered Psychologist

The Sydney Drug Education & Counselling Centre (SDECC) will be delivering another “Parents Prepared” workshop, this is an online drug and alcohol education workshop for parents of high school-aged children. 

Wednesday 11th October 2023 from 4.30pm to 6.00 pm.

This workshop will provide parents with information about drugs, their effects and tips for talking to young people about drug use.

Parents can register at https://www.trybooking.com/CLHQV